Steve Cherry, CAI, CES, PRI
McCandless Auction & Consulting, LLC is pleased to welcome Steve Cherry, a professional auctioneer since 1990. Steve serves as a Benefit Auctioneer, a Professional Ringman, Emcee and Consultant. Through the years, Steve has sold millions of dollars in real estate by the auction method, and is now teaching the next generation of auctioneers as the CEO of the Kentucky Auction Academy. He is the 1997 Kentucky State Auctioneer Champion and has successfully competed at the International Auctioneering Championship level. His chant is clear, consistent, concise, rhythmic and very pleasing to the ear. Steve is past President of the Kentucky Auctioneers Association, a member in good standing of the National Auctioneers Association and holds the prestigious Certified Auctioneers Institute (CAI) designation from the NAA. He is also a graduate of the Professional Ringman’s Institute.
The groups with whom Steve has worked has found he is a triple threat: an auctioneer with precision bid calling skills, a unique and engaging stage presence and a Master of Ceremonies that rivals the best of the best. His ever-present smile and deep, resonant, baritone voice make him a welcome addition to nonprofit organizations as an eloquent representative for their cause. Versatility and adaptability are the hallmarks of this outside-the-box thinker. He is quick on his feet and able to accommodate to a variety of needs at a moments notice. His ability to speak extemporaneously, the pursuit of excellence in all areas, and the gift of encouragement to everyone around him, make him an invaluable choice to nonprofits.
Stephen Stucy, Website Graphic Artist and Professional Ringman
Although new to the auction industry, Stephen is no stranger to being in front of a crowd OR being in the middle of one. Following a career as a private school teacher and coach, Stephen joins McCandless Auction & Consulting, LLC as a Professional Ringman. He has no lack of talent when it comes to getting a crowd energized and excited. Working in tandem with the auctioneer, Stephen has the uncommon ability to perceive when the next bid is coming from the audience. A graduate of the Kentucky Auction Academy, Stephen is adept at working with a wide variety of crowds, crowd sizes and venues. He trains and works alongside volunteer bid spotters as well. Professional Ring Personnel are crucial to the success of a benefit auction and can contribute 10 – 30% or more to the bottom line.
Stephen is phenomenally creative and adds plenty of personality to any event. As a liaison between the audience and the auctioneer, his communication skills are exceptional. Stephen adds a whole new dimension that will be a welcome addition to your fundraising event. Stephen brings professionalism, direction, guidance, encouragement, excitement and motivation to every event of which he is a part, not to mention, an increase in generated revenue!
Jesse Thomas McCandless, Professional Ringman, Website and Social Media Administrator
If you’re thinking Jesse’s last name matches the name of the Auction and Consulting company, you’re right. After years of listening to his father practice his bid calling in the car, in the house, while doing the lawn etc. there was little doubt that Jesse would someday join his dad in the business. Jesse brings a savvy technological dimension of expertise to the auction company. A 2013 graduate of Elizabethtown High School, Jesse is heading to Lindsey Wilson College in Columbia, KY. “Far enough to BE away from home, but not far enough to GET away from home,” say his parents. Jesse plans on studying business and entrepreneurism and will be attending the Kentucky Auction Academy in July of 2013.
Having been raised as a “PK” (preacher’s kid) Jesse is very much at ease with people of all ages from children to senior adults. He is a delightful and respectful young man with un-boundless potential and energy to spare. Jesse works with the company as the Website and Social Media Administrator as well as Professional Ring Personnel for auctions. If you are fortunate enough to have him as the Ring Personnel in your area of the event, you will no doubt be mesmerized by his maturity and ability to communicate with ease and professionalism. No doubt, Jesse will find success in whatever endeavors he chooses, but for now, Dad is glad to get to see him out in the crowd at Benefit Auction events.